Mike Reiss, a writer and producer on the longest-running animated sitcom of all time, “The Simpsons,” gives Salon an exclusive look at how Homer, Marge, Lisa, Bart and the crew stay relevant after 30 years on the air.

Reiss, a “Simpsons” lifer, has been with the show since its first episode in 1989 and says he could keep writing the show “forever.” His...